This is, without a doubt, a vulnerable time for you as you plan or manage the care of an elder. I know. I have been there. I started managing my mother’s care when crisis hit; she had a major fall related to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. I felt numb, hoping someone would hand me a manual, a roadmap—or simply hold my hand—through this unchartered territory… deer in the headlights, I went searching.

— Mary Jo Saavedra

THE BOOK'S STORY

… and so it begins, The Silver Tsunami is upon us as elder care and crisis management reaches a tipping point with the graying of America. By 2020, 54 million people in the U.S. will be over the age of 65; by 2030, that number will top 80 million. Feeling the squeeze of multi-generational home demands, children of aging parents are struggling to learn innovative eldercare management strategies and often find themselves overwhelmed by the many facets of caregiving. Eldercare 101 is the answer to making order from chaos. As a guide covering all aspects of aging and end-of-life in one place, caregivers will no longer spend endless nights trying to decode the Internet trail--confused, uncertain, and fearful of what they’re missing. Whether they are proactively planning ahead or need to have fast answers, this comprehensive, technology-rich resource presents steppingstone for the Sandwich Generation as they navigate caring for aging parents, grandparents, friends, and other family members.

Eldercare 101 is a well-researched, organized, easy-to-understand guide for families desperately in need of help as they care for their aging loved ones. The book is organized into “6 pillars of aging wellbeing”: legal, financial, living environment, social, medical, and spiritual. Each pillar is explored by an expert and offers best practices and tips for evaluating choices, making decisions, and living well wherever the road might lead.

Over the years of serving my ALCM clients, I have helped with consultations, crisis management, care planning, care management, and advocacy. And I want you to have the benefit of my knowledge and skills and that of the experts who surround my practice. This is why I created Eldercare 101. All the same tools I use for my private clients are in this ready resource. Granted, nothing can replace the skills of hiring an ALCM for private consultation and support, but the basic strategies and solutions in this guide have proven results. They will enable you to successfully help your elder to navigate the six pillars of wellbeing. Plus, my hope is that Eldercare 101 will empower you to thrive, rather than just survive, during your caregiving journey. And I pray that what you learn through Eldercare 101 will encourage you to fully embrace the blessings you will receive as you give of yourself to another.